Chapter 9

The both of us ended up dragging things on. Another spring came by. Cherry blossoms showered down the bridge where Gideon had promised to meet me at. He had covered the steps with roses, and the air was filled with their scent. It mingled with the subtle scent of cherry blossoms. I walked up the endless rose-covered stairs until I reached him. Gideon was holding a beautiful champagne rose bouquet in his hands as he walked toward me. "I remember you said that you wanted a proposal filled entirely with roses." I took the flowers from him, treating everything as a reckless dream of my youth. Gideon began recounting the stories of the past, which I didn't know. "Actually, I went to the bar with Harvey and the others after leaving the Hoffman residence. Harvey told me to figure out my feelings, but all I could think about was the family's interests. I thought I didn't love you that much." Tears suddenly rolled down his cheeks as he hiccupped and continued, "But Janice, I regret it no